GB2322996A

GB2322996A - A wireless, remotely drivable camera for use with a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2322996A
Application number: GB9810615A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Young-Gyo Choi; Bong-Rae Park
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 1994-02-03
Filing date: 1995-02-02
Publication date: 1998-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2015-02-02
Also published as: GB2322996B; GB9810610D0; GB9810615D0; GB2322755B; GB2322755A

Abstract

A wireless camera 330 is detachable from a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus. Using such a camera detachable apparatus, the camera can be incorporated in the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, or can be separated therefrom and fixed in any place, which enables an object to be photographed or filmed at various angles. The camera comprises a camera portion for photographing video and audio signals, and a modulator for modulating these signals for transmission as wireless signals via aerial 41 to a broadcast receiver in the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus. The camera is preferably mounted on a tripod 400 containing rotation drive means for rotating the camera horizontally and vertically in response to drive control signals generated by a microcomputer. The microcomputer may either receive control signals from a remote controller or may receive signals from an array of sound sensing means 405 outside the tripod, for generating control signals to rotate the camera towards the sound source.

Description

2322996 - 1 A WIRELESS CAMERA FOR USE WITH A MAGNETIC

RECORDING/REPRODUCING APPARATUS The present invention relates in general to a system which combines a camera portion for photographing an object with a magnetic recording/ reproducing apparatus.

In recent years, a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus which is conventionally called a videocassette recorder (VCR) has been developed in various types. Such VCRs have been widely distributed and are now considered a virtual necessity for the home, with demand rapidly increasing.

A VCR for home use generally uses half-inch tape which adopts a video home system (VHS) method. Such a VCR is usually placed in the living room of a home to record television broadcasts and reproduce the recorded broadcasts as desired.

More recently, portable camcorders have been developed. In such a portable camcorder, a photographer views an object via a viewfinder and photographs the object. Then, an image of the photographed object is recorded on a magnetic tape and the image can be reproduced by a user at any time.

Using the above camcorder, however, a photographer cannot easily photograph himself. Also, the mere presence of a camcorder operator tends to place a photographed person (subject) on his guard or feel self -conscious, whereby the subject will, intentionally or otherwise, behave in an unnatural manner. In addition, though events (conferences, weddings, interviews, etc.) may be recorded without a camcorder operator.

1 2 It is desired to be capable of easily photographing, recording and reproducing conferences, various business meetings, family gatherings, etc., in a natural atmosphere without a photographer's manipulation.

It is an aim of at least preferred embodiments of the - i c present invention to provide a magnet recording/ reproducing apparatus having a wireless camera in which only the camera is detached f rom the main body of the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus and remote controlled by a remote controller or automatically rotated in the direction of a sound source, to thereby enable an object to be precisely photographed.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a wireless camera, comprising:

a pickup for converting object information input via a lens into an electrical signal and outputting "he converted electrical signal, a video signal processor for processing the electrical signal into a video signal, an audio signal input portion having a microphone for inputting an audio signal when photographing an object, a modulator for modulating the video signal and the audio signal, and a wireless signal transmitter for transmitting the modulated video signal and the modulated audio signal as a wireless signal., The wireless camera is preferably attachable to and detachable from a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, preferably a main body of said apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a magnetic recording/reproducing .,. 0 _ 1 1 apparatus for use with a wireless camera as defined above, said apparatus comprising a drive device having:

a tripod main body for rotatably supporting said wireless camera at a predetermined height; sound source sensing means which is installed outside of the tripod main body for sensing a sound source and rotating the camera which is installed on the tripod; camera rotation signal receiving means for receiving a key input signal from a remote controller and rotating the camera vertically and horizontally; is a microcomputer for receiving an output signal from the camera rotation signal receiving means and an output signal from the sound source sensing means and generating a drive control signal for rotating the camera; first rotation drive means for rotating the camera vertically in response to the drive control signal; and second rotation drive means for rotating the camera horizontally in response to the drive control signal.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises:

drive means which is internally incorporated in the tripod main body for driving the wireless camera, wherein said drive means comprises said microcomputer, said first rotation drive means, and said second rotation drive means.

_ - 0. -- 1 - 4 The magnetic record ing/ reproducing apparatus preferably comprises an object photographing device having:

input means for coding a position of a predetermined object and a rotating angle corresponding to a position of the object; storage means for storing the input object position 10 code data and the rotation angle code data; and a microcomputer for controlling the storage means to store the code data and outputting a drive control signal for controlling a camera by reading the rotation angle code data from the storage means.

Preferably, the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus comprises:

sound source sensing means for sensing an audio output from a predetermined sound source and outputting a sensing signal; position calculation means for determining a position of the sound source according to the sensing signal output from the sound source sensing means and calculating a direction and an amount in which a camera is moved; and drive means for driving the camera according to the calculation result of the position calculation means.

The sensing means may comprise a plurality of unidirectional sensors in a single position in which an intensity of the input multi -directional audio signals are j compared and determined to output a sound source sensing 1 1 - signal. Also, the sensing means may comprise a sensor which compri.ses a plurality of microphones installed separately from the camera-integrated magnetic recording/ reproducing apparatus, to output an audio sensing signal according to the sensed microphone output. Further, the sensing means may comprise a sensor which is attached to the sound source to output a sound source sensing signal by sensing an oscillation of an audio signal when the audio signal is generated by the sound source.

The position calculation means may comprise: a position detector for detecting a level of the audio position sensing signal to detect a position of the sound source; and a microcomputer for determining a position of the sound source using the level signal detected in the position detector, calculating a rotation angle of the camera according to the determined result, and outputting a drive control signal according to the calculated result to the drive means.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a camera- integrated magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus; Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the camera- integrated magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus shown in Figure 1; 1 T_ -0. --- --- 1 6 Figure 3 is a detailed block diagram of the camera portion shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a block diagram of a separated camera and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus; Figure 5 is a flowchart diagram showing a general operation of the camera-integratedmagnetic recording/reproducing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a wireless camera; Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an internal is construction of the tripod shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a flowchart diagram showing a method for driving the tripod shown in Figure 6; Referring to Figure 1 which is a perspective view of a preferred magnetic recording/ reproducing apparatus, a door 2 into which a cassette tape (not shown) can be inserted as in a conventional magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, is installed in a front panel of a main body 1 of a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus. The inserted cassette tape may be a half-inch VHS tape or an 8mm tape.

A camera 3 for photographing an object is provided at the right side of the front panel. In this case, the camera 3 is located within the main body 1. However, the camera may be installed externally. As will be described below, the camera is detachable from the main body 1 and may be operated in a remote-control fashion. 1 1 Also in the front panel, various keys and lamps are installed to control and monitor the operation of the camera-integrated magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus. For example, a power button 4A, stop/eject button 4B, a fast search button 4C, display window 4D, a record lock-out key 4E, an eject button 4F, a record button 4G, a TV/VIDEO switching button 4H, a channel selection button 41, a pause lamp 4J, a reproducing lamp 4K, and a control panel 4L by which a number of contrast and brightness adjustments can be made, can be further provided on the front panel. Here, reference numeral 30 represents a condenser microphone. Reference numeral 32 represents a camera lens.

As above, with camera 3 being located within the magnetic recording/ reproducing apparatus, the camera can photograph objects in a comfortable environment for conferences, meetings or at home, by simply setting the apparatus in a predetermined location (for example, on a desk). This is achieved without a special camcorder, by attaching a video camera to a videocassette recorder.

Figure 2 is an internal block diagram of the cameraintegrated magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 2, a broadcast signal (including a camera signal output from a separationtype camera to be described with respect to Figure 4) is input to a broadcast signal receiver 11 via an antenna 10. The broadcast signal receiver 11 tunes and supplies the input signal to a demodulator 12.

Demodulator 12 demodulates the signal tuned in broadcast signal receiver 11 into a video signal and audio signal. The demodulated signals are supplied to a first input port X1 of an input signal selector 13. Input signal 8 - selector 13 receives a signal from an external signal input 14 (e.g., via an audio/video jack) through a second input port X2, and receives the output signal of a camera portion 15 through a third input port X3.

Accordingly, input signal selector 13 selects one of the signals supplied to first, second and third ports XlX3 in accordance with the logic state of a control signal (AB) from a microcomputer 16. Here, it is desirable that input signal selector 13 consists of two multiplexers so that a video signal and an audio signal can be selected by microcomputer 16, respectively. In Figure 2, only one multiplexer is depicted but this invention is not confined to this embodiment.

is The selected signal from input signal selector 13 is input to an automatic gain controller (AGC) 17. The selected signal is maintained at a predetermined level by AGC 17 and applied to a video signal processor 18.

The video and audio signals processed in video signal processor 18 are supplied to a recording controller 19 to be recorded onto magnetic tape (not shown) by a recording head 20. The signals recorded through a reproducing controller 21 are reproduced by a reproducing head 22.

The signals processed by video signal processor 18 are supplied to a vide, o signal amplifier 23 and output to a television screen or monitor (not shown). The signal applied to video signal amplifier 23 is converted into a television signal receivable in a television through an RF converter 24. Here, a more detailed description shall be given for this operation below.

1 1 1 9 Preferred embodiments of the present invention allow for the selection of at least three inputs. That is, an ordinary broadcast signal (or an audio/video signal modulated into a broadcast frequency) is tuned in broadcast signal receiver 11 and demodulated in demodulator 12. Thereafter, the signal is input to multiplexer 13 at port X1 as signal.

a video signal and audio Also, external signal input 14 receives an ordinary video signal and audio signal from a general piece of A/V equipment or from an external piece of equipment for generating an audio/video signal.

Further, from camera portion 15, a video signal converted into an electric signal by lens 32 (refer to Figure 1) and an audio signal supplied from condenser mic=phone 30 (refer to Figure 1) are supplied to input signal selector 13. At this time, input signal selector 13 selects the input signal as shown in Table 1 below, according to the logic states of the control signal (AB) of microcomputer 16.

TABLE 1 control inputs selected output A B Y L L xi L H X2 H L X3 As shown in Table 1, input signal selector 13 selects a broadcast signal if the control signal is 11AB=LL.11 If the control signal is I'AB=LH, 11 an external input signal is 1 selected. The camera signal is selected if the control signal is I'AS=FIL. 11 Figure 3 is a detailed block diagram for the camera iS shown in Figure 2. According to Figure 3, an audio input to condenser microphone 30 is amplified by a mike am-clifier 31. Concurrently, the object informat-on acquired via the camera lens 32 is converted into an electric signal by a charge-coupled device 33 and provided to a pre-processor 34 which performs correlated double sampling and automatic gain control to the electric signal and provides the preprocessed electric signal to a camera video signal processor 35. Thus, a video signal is output together with the amplified audio output.

is Figure 4is a block diagram of a remote camera in which a modulator 40 and a transmitting antenna 41 are provided in the camera portion 3 of Figure 1. This camera portion 31 transmits a video signal and audio signal to a main body 1' of a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, and can be installed anywhere. Compared to the apparatus shown in Figure 2, the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus shown in Figure 4 has the same configuration except that camera 15 is constituted by a snecial camera. Accordingly, the camera-integrated magnetic recording/ reproducing apparatus to which the present invention is applied may comprise both a camera located in the main body 1 as shown in Figure 1 and the separated camera (installed anywhere) shown in Figure 4, to record and/or monitor photographed signals using either camera. With plural separated cameras being employed, the camera-integrated magnetic recording/ reproducing apparatus can perform a monitoring function.

t,-- -0. -- --- 1 11 Figure 5 is a flowchart diagram showing a general operation procedure of the magnetic recordJi-ng/-enoducJng apparatus of Figure 1.

is Referring to Figure 5, when a mode selection key is input by a user (step Si), microcomputer 16 determines the currently selected mode (steps S2, S8 and S12). If the currently selected mode is a television mode, microcomputer 16 applies power to broadcast signal receiver 11 (step S3). With power applied to broadcast signal receiver 11, it is determined whether a broadcast signal is applied to the input (step S4), and if so, microcomp=er 16 outputs low selection control signals A and B (AB="LL"; see Table 1 above) to multiplexer 13 which selects a broadcast signal input (step S5). If the input of a broadcast signal is not present or is discontinued, microcomputer 16 turns off the power of broadcast signal receiver 11 (step S6), the apparatus of Figure 2 enters a standby mode waiting for an external input (step S7). Here, the standby mode allows microcomputer 16 to perform other functions.

If the television mode is not selected according to the result c-F step S2, microcomputer 16 determines whether an external mode is selected (step S8). If the external mode is selected and it is determined that an external signal is input (step S9), microcomputer 16 outputs a control signal as "AB=IH" to multiplexer 13 so that multiplexer 13 selects the external signal (step S10). If there is no external signal, the standby mode is entered (step S11).

If the external mode is not selected according to step S8, microcomputer 16 determines whether a camera mode is selected (step S12). If the camera mode is selected, 1 12 microcomputer 16 applies power to camera portion 15 to enable camera portion 15 (step S13) and outputs the conr_roll signal as 11AB=HL11 to multiplexer 13 (step S14). Here, camera portion 15 is set at a basic mode (step S15). The basic mode is a mode for operating the camera of the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus.

iI the camera mode, a signal is received from the n incorporated camera of Figure 1 or the separated camera of Figure 3, so that the video signal and audio signal of the photographed object are recorded onto magnetic tape. if it is determined that the camera is separated (step S16), the current mode is changed to the external mode (step S17), and if not, the standby mode is set (step S18).

is As described above, unlike an ordinary video camera (or camcorder), with the camera-integrated magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus of embodiments of the present invention, a natural atmosphere can be produced because subjects do not take notice that they are being photographed. In addition, the camera can be separately used for monitoring or in connection with a door phone.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a wireless camera and a tripod driving device. Here, a wireless camera 330 for photographing an object includes the circuits shown in Figure 4. Wireless camera 330 is mountable on a tripod 400 which has three support legs 401, 402 and 403 rotatable on axis 404. Wireless camera 330 may be fixed on a mounting plate 412 of main body 410 and able to rotate as main body 410 rozates.

Referring to Figure 6, a main body 410 of tripod 400 is provided with.i sound source detector 405 for detecting a sound source and a control panel 406. Control panel 406 , -0- --- " 1 13 - of main body 410 comprises a power button 406A for turning on/off the power, a mode button 406B for setting an operating mode, an angle setting button 406C for setting a rotation direction, a rotation speed button 406D for setting a rotation s-oeed, and a lamp 406E for indicating the operation power button 406A. Tripod main body 410 rotates by operating control panel 406 or by a remote controller (not shown). Here, the main body of the tripod may rotate automatically by the detection of a sound source. A semitransparent receiver (light receiving portion) 411 for receiving a key signal from the remote controller is also installed on tripod main body 410.

Though no structure for vertically tilting camera 330 is is shown in Figure 6, tripod main body 410 may comprise a tilt motor for such up and down movement.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit of tripod 410 shown in Figure 6. A light receiver 411 receives a key signal from a remote controller and provides the result to a microcomputer 430. In addition, a sound source sensor 405 senses a sound source generated from an object and provides the result to microcomputer 430.

In the operation of the circuit of Figure 7, microcomputer 430 receives a remote-controller key-signal from light r6ceiver 411 or a sound source signal from sound source sensor 405 and determines whether to operate tripod main body 410 by a remote control mode or a sound source sensing mode. That is, microcomputer 430 generates a control signal for tilting tripod main body 410 up and down and rotating it left and right according to a keyinput of a user in a remote control mode, and a control signal for rotating tripod main body 410 only 1(ft and 1 14 right in a sound source sensing mode. In theremote control mode, microcomputer 430 outputs a driving control signal to first and second driving circuits 440 and 450, so that tilt motor 442 and swivel motor 452 can be operated. Here, tilt motor 442 swings camera 330 up and down, and swivel motor 452 nans camera 330 left and right.

Accordingly, in the remote control mode, tilt motor 442 and swivel motor 452 can be operated in accordance with the control of a user. In the sound sensing mode, only swivel motor 452 is driven, to thereby pan camera 330 left or right.

Figure 8 is a flowchart of an operation of a wireless camera, and the flowchart will be explained with reference is to Figure 7.

Referring to Figure 8, when a power is applied, microcomputer 430 discriminates whether the current mode is a remote control mode or a sound source mode (steps S21 and S23). In case of sound source mode, microcomputer 430 senses a sound source signal from sound source sensor 405, thereby driving swivel motor 452 (step S22).

Here, swivel motor 452 is controlled so as to promptly move a camera in a direction where a sound source is generated according to the signal sensed by sound sensor 405. In addition, when lens 32 of wireless camera 300 is directed to the place where a sound source is generated, microcomputer 430 stops the rotation of swivel motor 452. Accordingly, swivel motor is driven so as to exactly direct the camera on the place where a sound source is generated. Thus, the object can be photographed correctly.

t- -0. -- - 1 is - on the other hand, in the remote control mode (the 11RC11 setting of mode button 4063 of control panel 406), microcomputer 430 determines whether a key-signal is input from a remote controller (step S24). If the control signal input -from the remote controller is for up-and-down movement, microcomputer 430 outputs a driving control signal to a first driving circuit 440 to drive tilt motor 442 (step S25). meanwhile, if a key- signal input from a remote controller is a swivel motor control signal - for controlling left and right movement of a camera, microcomputer 430 outputs a driving control signal to a second driving circuit 450 to drive swivel motor 452 (step S26). Accordingly, an object at a given position can be photographed under user control.

is As described above, the camera is separated from a magnetic recording/ reproducing apparatus and placed on a trinod. Then, the tripod is driven by a remote controller or a sound source sensor, to thereby easily photograph the desired object.

According to a further preferred feature a location of the object to be photographed is programmable in a microcomputer. Thus, the camera can be automatically rotated, by inputting a code allocated in accordance with a location of the object, in a direction where the object is placed.

As described above, in embodiments of the present invention, the subject being photographed does not take notice of the photographing, which is different from when a conventional camera is used, and thus more natural occu--rences and behaviour may be recorded.

1.01 1 1 16 In embodiments within the scope of the present invention, a camera can be detached from a main body of a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, to thereby enable, for instance an easy carrying or storage in addition, objects can be photographed from various angles, and code values for rotation angles stored in advance into the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus according to the position of an object. As a result, the object located in the position corresponding to the stored code value can be photographed.

Further, the position of a sound source may be determined and then the object photographed by automatically rotating a camera to the direction of the is sound source. Thus, taking a picture of the sound source in, for instance, a conference is simplified and installation cost can be curtailed.

Wherever reference is made within this application to photographs etc., it should be appreciated that these terms are intended to extend to both still, and motion photography.

This application hasbeen divided from co-pending application number 95 01055.9, published as GB 2 286 312A.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are f iled concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and --0 -_--- - 17 drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

-- 1 18

Claims

1. A wireless camera, comprising:

a pickup for converting object information input via a lens into an electrical signal and outputting the converted electrical signal, a video signal processor -for processing the electrical signal into a video signal, an audio signal input portion having a microphone for inputting an audio signal when photographing an object, a modulator for modulating the video signal and the audio signal, and a wireless signal transmitter for transmitting the modulated video signal and the modulated. audio signal as a wireless signal.

is

2. A wireless camera as claimed in claim 1, for use with a magnetic recording/ reproducing apparatus, wherein said wireless signal transmitter transmits a broadcast signal suitable for receipt by said magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, said apparatus for recording said video and audio signals on a magnetic recording medium.

3. A wireless camera as claimed in claim 2, wherein said magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is a video cassette recorder.

4. A wireless camera. as claimed in claim 3, wherein said video cassette recorder receives a magnetic recording medium in the form of a cassette tape of half-inch VHS or 8mm format.

5. A wireless camera according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the wireless camera forms a camera portion that is 1 - 19 attachable to and detachable from the main body of said magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus.

6. A wireless camera according to claim 5, comprising means for attaching/detaching the camera to the main body of said magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus.

is

7. A camera drive device incorporating a wireless camera according to any preceding claim, said drive device comprising:

a tripod main body for rotatably supporting said wireless camera at a predetermined height; sound source sensing means which is installed outside of the tripod main body for sensing a sound source and rotating the camera which is installed on the tripod; camera rotation signal receiving means for receiving a key input signal from a remote controller and rotating the camera vertically and horizontally; a microcomputer for receiving an output signal from the camera rotation signal receiving means and an output signal from the sound source sensing means and generating a drive control signal for rotating the camera; first rotation drive means for rotating the camera vertically in response to the drive control signal; and second rotation drive means for rotating the camera horizontally in response to the drive control signal.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 - 7, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 - 8 of the accompanying drawings.

8. A camera drive device according to cl,aim 7, comprising drive means which is internally incorporated in the tripod main body wherein said drive means comprises said microcomputer, said first rotation drive means, and said second rotation drive means.

9. A wireless camera substantially as herein before described with referenced to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

10. A w i r e 1 e s s c a m e r a a n d a m a g n e t i c recording/reproducing apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A wireless camera and tripod substantially as is hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 4 and 6 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.

7,,, -. C- 1 21 Amendments to the claims have been fNed as MOWS A magnetic recording/reproducing comprising 1 4 a 1 & - 20 apparatus, a wireless camera having a pickup for converting object information input via a lens into an electrical signal and outputting the converted electrical signal, a video signal processor for processing the electrical signal into a video signal, an audio signal input portion having a microphone for inputting an audio signal when photographing an object, a modulator for modulating the video signal and the audio signal, and a wireless signal transmitter for transmitting the modulated video signal and the modulated audio signal as a wireless signal to a main body of said magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus; wherein the wireless camera forms a camera portion that is attachable to and detachable from the main body of said magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising means for attaching/det aching the camera within the main body of said magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus.

3. A magnetic recording/ reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said wireless signal transmitter transmits a broadcast signal suitable for receipt by said magnetic recording/ reproducing apparatus, said apparatus for recording said video and audio signals on a magnetic recording medium.

22- 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus is a video cassette recorder.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said video cassette recorder receives a magnetic recording medium in the form of a cassette tape of half-inch VHS or -8mm format.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 further comprising a camera drive device having:

a tripod main body for rotatably supporting said wireless camera at a predetermined height; sound source sensing means which is installed outside of the tripod main body f or sensing a sound source and rotating the camera which is installed on the tripod; camera rotation signal receiving means for receiving a key input signal from a remote controller and rotating the camera vertically and horizontally; a microcomputer for receiving an output signal from the camera rotation signal receiving means and an output signal from the sound source sensing means and generating a drive control signal for rotating the camera; first rotation drive means for rotating the camera 30 vertically in response to the drive control signal; and second rotation drive means for rotating the camera horizontally in response to the drive control signal.

-z 3 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, comprising drive means which is internally incorporated in the tripod main body wherein said drive means comprises said microcomputer, said first rotation drive means, and said second rotation drive means.